Bettong numbers on the rise

PARKS and Conservation Service Director Daniel Iglesias says recent population monitoring at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary suggests the number of eastern bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) in the reserve is increasing as expected.

Eastern bettongs were reintroduced to Mulligans Flat as part of a joint project run by the Australian National University, CSIRO, the Tasmanian Government, the Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation Trust, and the ACT Government.

“About half of the 60 adults and 29 pouch young were released into the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and half were housed at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Since then more than 40 bettongs have been bred at Tidbinbilla, with some released at Mulligans Flat,” said Environment and Sustainable Development Director-General Dorte Ekelund.

“The first full population monitoring project since the bettongs were reintroduced was completed by the Australian National University with the ACT Government and volunteers over the last few weeks, and it looks like there are more than 90 bettongs at Mulligans Flat. A good number of younger bettongs were also recorded.

“This is very encouraging, as it suggests the population is increasing as expected. Reintroduction projects are notoriously difficult to establish so we are very excited the population is doing so well. This is a testament to the smart work of all the partners.”